Jan. 2, 2006
Box Score
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -
Box Score
Download Free Acrobat Reader
Northern Iowa opened Monday night's game with a 19-5 run and Illinois State was never able to catch up, as the `Birds fell 60-47, in Missouri Valley Conference action at the UNI-Dome. With the loss, the Redbirds fall to 6-5 on the season and 1-2 in league play, while UNI is now 12-2 and 2-1.
UNI's 19-5 start, over the game's first 10 minutes, was powered by 10 points from Eric Coleman. The Redbirds cut the first-half lead to under 10 twice, but UNI pulled away to claim a 29-16 halftime advantage. The Panthers sank six of their first 10 shots and finished shooting 46.2 percent for the half, while the `Birds shot 33.3 percent from the floor, including 1-for-7 on threes.
ISU showed some more offense in the second half, and battled UNI to a 31-31 tie in the frame. The Redbirds' Greg Dilligard was ISU's only player in double figures with 12 points. UNI's Grant Stout led the way for the Panthers with 17 points, while Coleman finished with 16. Each added a game-high seven rebounds.
Illinois State returns to action on Thursday when the Redbirds close out the season series against Creighton with a 7:05 p.m., game at the OMAHA Quest CenterTM.
